Homes

How to discover your decorating style

Trust your instincts to allow your signature look to blossom

Choosing a sofa is not that much different than choosing a winter coat. It's all about who you are and what you like at a gut level.

Photograph by: Handout photo
, West Elm

Let's talk about style. First of all, what is style?

Style is the way in which something is said, done or expressed. It's everything. Fashion. Art. Architecture. It's the way you say it, the way you do it, the way you live it. There is only one you - original, remarkable and beyond compare.

Not imitated, not copied. Okay, but you're thinking: "Easy to say. But I need help choosing the right sofa."

You are not alone. We're here to say that choosing a sofa is not that much different than choosing a winter coat. It's all about who you are and what you like at a gut level.

But the thing is, the key to buying the right sofa depends on identifying your style.

And discovering your decorating groove depends on what feels right. If this sounds "woo woo," don't worry. We have a few simple steps to help tap into the look you desire. Here's what to do.

Don't compare; be inspired. It's easy to be influenced by your best friend's new living room or the allure of countless home and garden TV shows. Personal style takes time, courage, and homework. Let's get started!

Start by looking and feeling. Style is like a muscle - it needs to be used. Don't over-think or second guess yourself. Where do you feel most at home? At a café in Paris or a coffee shop in Nelson? Walking in the forest or shopping at Holt Renfrew?

Knowing where you are comfortable and what makes your heart sing is an indication of your style.

Next, wander through your home, pay attention to what you love and make a list.

Are there treasures you bought on your honeymoon, or a Picasso-like fingerpainting from your five-year-old that you would never part with?

It might be the Noguchi Akari lamp from Inform that you saved for all year. Afterwards, gather magazine tear-outs, post-cards, seashore rocks, fabric samples, Pinterest pages, and Google images. (Our personal favourite is elledecor.com, check out the Look Book page.)

Choose anything you love and place into a box. It's your toy box for style. Choose from the heart, what works is what feels right.

Now the fun begins. Hunt through your style box and look for common threads.

You will begin to see pat-terns emerge. Perhaps every room in every image is white or each fabric swatch is rich and luxurious.

What you are drawn to is right there, your style is shouting out at you. No buts: you either love it or hate it.

When you start to get an idea of a theme, tour your house again. Finally, edit. Let go of things. Be ruthless, purge! Go through your closet, every room, and get rid of anything cramping your style.

Remember, it must feel good. Don't let loyalty and sentiment keep you from tossing out your grandmother's walnut dining room set you secretly hate. Don't be afraid to let it go because an empty space invites something new that you truly love.

Whether you're painting a wall or a doing a full-blown renovation, knowing your style helps you make empowered decisions - from your haircut to your home. When your style is connected to who you are, you save time, money and you don't have sleepless nights.

So before you hire a decorator, before a decorator puts his or her stamp on your home, know who you are instead of being told who you are.

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